Tennessee Titans pass rusher Harold Landry III agreed to a long-term deal with the franchise on Tuesday. Landry, who the Titans chose not to franchise tag, agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million deal with Tennessee, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Per Schefter, Landry will receive $52.5 million in guaranteed money.
Recapping Landry’s 2021 season
Landry, a 2018 second-round pick, came into last season with 19 sacks and 44 QB hits on his résumé. While his work as an outside linebacker in the Titans’ 3-4 defense allowed him to be a playmaker in multiple areas, his sack production entering his contract year was inconsistent.
However, Landry surged for the Titans in 2021, as Tennessee clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC. He produced a career-high 12 sacks and a whopping 22 QB hits ahead of free agency.
Landry’s contract outlook
Landry made $7.8 million off his rookie contract, which he completed last season. His new deal will more than double that total annually. Landry is set to average $17.5 million per season. That number eclipses Sportrac‘s projected market value for Landry of $17.1 million per season.
Impact on pass-rusher market
With Landry missing out on free agency, the rest of the EDGE market should receive more leverage. Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals, Von Miller of the Los Angeles Rams, Jadeveon Clowney of the Cleveland Browns and Randy Gregory of the Dallas Cowboys will be primary targets at the position in free agency.
Landry, 25, would have been the top draw on the market, but his new deal helps him avoid the hysteria of free agency and remain in Nashville. His return was a huge accomplishment for GM Jon Robinson.
The Titans have several other in-house free agents to make decisions on over the next few days. Linebackers Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown, center Brandon Jones, and tight end Geoff Swain highlight the class.